Townsville mother Alycia Hoban fundraising for premature babies

A North Queensland mother whose baby was born eight weeks before his due date has spoken of her terrifying experience as she pledges to help others like her.

Alycia Hoban, 27, pictured with her son, Benji, 12 weeks, who was born eight weeks premature, are helping to raise funds for other premature children. Picture: Shae Beplate.

A North Queensland mother whose baby was born eight weeks before his due date has spoken of her terrifying experience as she pledges to do all she can to raise awareness and funds.

Alycia Hoban, 27, was preparing for the birth of her first child when she received news that left her facing an emergency Caesarian procedure.

“I was diagnosed with a liver disorder called cholestasis. Basically, my liver values all shot through the roof and he had to get evicted at about 32 weeks,” Ms Hoban said.

“I’d spent two weeks in hospital and was told I was all good and I could head home, and then three days later we were back in hospital so I could be induced.

Alycia Hoban, 27, pictured with her son, Benji, 12 weeks, who was born eight weeks premature, are helping to raise funds for other premature children. Picture: Shae Beplate.

“Two day induction and then an emergency Caesarian because he just refused to come out on his own.”

While little Benji pulled through the harrowing experience unharmed, and is flourishing at just 12 weeks old in total, Ms Hoban said the experience was “really scary”.
“It was terrifying to go through. I’m just glad he was all okay and had no issues. He spent five weeks in NICE and special care which wasn’t the easiest time,” Ms Hoban said.

“It’s always really difficult not being able to go home with your baby. Everyone else is in the maternity ward or ready to have their baby and mine was stuck in NICE.”

Alycia Hoban, 27, pictured with her son, Benji, 12 weeks. Picture: Shae Beplate.

One of the bright spots of the unexpected stretch laid up in a hospital bed recovering from her surgery was the support, not only from friends and family, but also from experts with experience handling premature babies.

“When I was still in hospital the first time, someone sent me the link for the Life’s Little Treasures foundation. They send out ‘premmie’ packs, which have cute outfits for them, lots of information and mental health resources,” Ms Hoban said.

“They also have all these connections and support groups and you can talk to all sorts of people. It was through that I saw Walk for Prems and I just decided why not.”

Ms Hoban has already raised over $1000 through donations, most of which she credits to Benji’s cute looks.

“I’ve been told Townsville has around 800 premature babies a year, which is a lot and we don’t have an office up here for Life’s Little Treasures.

“They were so amazing while he was in hospital, you spend so much time just thinking about your baby and trying not to cry.”

All funds raised will be put directly back into the Life’s Little Treasures Premature baby program, with Ms Hoban’s walk beginning from 9am on Sunday morning, and donations can be made online.

Originally published as Townsville mother Alycia Hoban fundraising for premature babies